Misunderstandings and Difficulties in Learning Sequence and Series: A Case Study

  • Akgun, Levent (Department of Secondary Science and Mathematics Education, Kazim Karabekir Education Faculty, Ataturk University) ;
  • Duru, Adem (Department of Elementary Mathematics Education, Adlyaman Education Faculty, Gaziantep University)
  • Published : 2007.03.31

Abstract

This paper analyzes the difficulties with the learning of sequence and series of the second-year students who participated in a year long whole class at the university level. The research was carried out at the end of students' third semester. These students were randomly selected. They were applied to one paper and pencil test containing eight task items on sequence and series. In this study, qualitative method (case study design) was used to explore students' difficulties and misunderstandings in learning sequence and series. Students' responses to the questions were divided into three categories: These were "correct", "partial correct" and "false or no responses". Students' responses to the paper and pencil test were evaluated. The results show that students had difficulties and misunderstandings in series and sequence.

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